Sudden Hearing Loss Treatment Program
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Thunder Bay
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical attention and confirmation by audiology. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) assists hearing recovery in conjunction with physician assessment, and is OHIP funded.
What is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSNHL) is a rapid, unexplained drop in hearing, often in one ear, sometimes noticed upon waking or over hours to a couple of days. This is time-sensitive and should be evaluated urgently by a healthcare professional (often an ER/urgent care visit or same-day assessment, followed by ENT referral).
Urgent Notice
In the case of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss, accessing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as soon as possible can help improve your recovery outcomes. Discuss a referral with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Common ISSNHL Symptoms:
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Ear fullness or pressure sensation
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Loss of balance or nausea
- Sudden change in sound clarity
- Sensation of water in the ear
OHIP Coverage & Referral
HBOT for sudden sensorineural hearing loss may be OHIP funded with a healthcare provider referral, and audiology report. If OHIP funding does not apply in your situation, private-pay options may be available. Our team can help clarify pathways after reviewing your referral.
Time-Sensitive Coordination
ISSNHL care is time-sensitive. Once you have been medically assessed and referred, HBOT can be scheduled as quickly as possible.
Physician-Supervised
HBOT Physicians are always on-site to oversee treatment delivery and ensure safe outcomes. HBOT sessions are administered by our team of highly trained Hyperbaric Chamber Operators.
Modern Facility
HBOT sessions take place in our new 7000 ft² clinic in Thunder Bay, designed for comfort, accessibility, safety, and consistent care throughout your course of treatment.
How HBOT Supports ISSNHL Recovery
The inner ear is highly sensitive and relies on a healthy oxygen supply. HBOT increases oxygen availability in the body under pressure, which may support oxygen delivery to tissues involved in hearing.
HBOT is often considered as an adjunct, meaning it may be used alongside standard medical management directed by your treating clinician (for example, medications and ENT-guided care). Suitability depends on your diagnosis, timing, and overall health.
Next Steps
1.) Get an urgent medical assessment as soon as possible from your healthcare provider and request a referral to an ENT specialist.
2.) Get an audiology hearing assessment to confirm hearing loss.
3.) Request a referral to Modern Medical for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Important: Results vary and HBOT is not appropriate for every case. We focus on evidence-informed, physician-guided care and realistic expectations.
Healing in Comfort
Sudden Hearing Loss can be stressful. We designed our clinic to be calm, accessible, and supportive to optimize your healing journey.
Personal Entertainment
Streaming services on a big screen with a dedicated sound system
Accessible
Facilities
Designed for everyone’s use
Physician
Supervised
Always on-site for your safety.
Talk to Us About ISSNHL & HBOT
If you’ve been assessed for sudden hearing loss and have a referral (or are working toward one), contact Modern Medical in Thunder Bay to discuss whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may be appropriate and how to proceed.